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MTSS Referral Process & Suspected Disabilities
Overview:
Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Students with Disabilities: Guidelines for Decision-Making and Evaluation
The attached guidance is intended to support schools in determining an appropriate course of action based on students' needs. The Exceptional Children and the Integrated Academic and Behavior Systems Divisions received a variety of questions regarding problem-solving teams within the Multi-Tiered System of Support framework in specific connection to: 1) activities for students suspected of a disability, and, 2) addressing additional unique needs of students already identified with a disability.
Key Concepts:
- A multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) is a framework that promotes school improvement through engaging, evidence-based academic and behavioral practices.
- MTSS is NOT a process that automatically results in a referral to special education.
- Students with disabilities are general education students first and should have access to the full system of support available to all students.
- Accessing an appropriate educational program should be SEAMLESS; the MTSS framework should be flexible to meet the needs of EVERY student without stopping and starting processes generally assumed to be either general or special education.
- NC MTSS employs a systems approach, using data-driven problem-solving to maximize growth for all.
- If it is suspected that a child’s difficulties are the result of a disability as defined by the IDEA, the IEP team is obligated to identify the academic and/or functional areas in need of further investigation and promptly seek parental consent to conduct a full and individual evaluation.
Attachment:
Guidelines for Decision-Making and Evaluation